I'm seeing enough changes in vision and loss of detail in low light that I'm considering cataract surgery with lens implants in the near future. Does anyone have any experience in the effect of cataract surgery with lense implants on shooting a handgun with iron sights? In particular, I'm looking at accommodating lenses in both eyes set for distant and intermediate focus.

Just went through it in my right eye. Prior to surgery had to wear readers but long distance was great....until I hit 50. Could,t see my golf ball any more. Had surgery with just a simple lense as the Dr suggested it would give the highest probability of success. Prior to surgery I was starting to have problems seeing the target and the sights at the same time. After surgery my shooting improved. At the suggestion of my Optometrist who is also an active shooter, I started playing around with my reading glasses. for shooting. I Normally have 2.0 for reading but I switched to a 1.0 in my right eye and straight glass in my left. Made a BIG difference! Now I only see one target and one sight picture whereas before I was getting some doubles.

My own cataract surgery about 7 years ago revealed someone had replaced that vague blob of fuzz on the end of the barrel with some strange sharply defined metal object with notable light bands each side between the rear fuzzy blob....

I nimbly adapted & now see better/shoot faster/more accurately than in decades.

Night vision driving is vastly improved & can even use scopes & binos once again.


Need bifocals for reading distances, but it was a great trade off as no complications since. The little laser treatment for secondary cataract was needed in both sides, 5 minutes walk in/walk out.

I did cataract surgery a few years ago. Definitely seeing front and back sights much better.

Don’t you think you need to get diagnosed first with cataracts before thinking about cataract surgery???

Is it not possible you’re experiencing old age and maybe laser surgery for vision correction will help if you don’t like glasses or contacts?

My experience is like that of cruiser68. I have been near-sighted most of my life and finally needed bi-focals to read. I had bilateral cataracts done, which left me with 20-20 distance vision and needing reading glasses. I found with no glasses, I could see the target but sights were a blur. With my +2.50 readers, the sights were clear but target was a blur. Solution was to get 1.50 reading glasses. With them, I could see both sights and target. Problem solved.

I had both eyes done about 10 years ago and I consider it a miracle. I had worn glasses for over 55 years and they had gotten pretty thick.

I shoot handguns, shotguns, etc just fine now. I find sporting clays much more enjoyable when you can see the targets.

I paid extra for the multi focal lenses and have no regrets at all. I would have sold all of my guns just to be able to see clearly for the first time in my life.

I had mine done 5 years ago and had them set for distance. Reading glasses and red dot sights are my friends. Iron sights and books are literally a blur without corrective contacts or glasses. But my normal, everyday sight outside of a few feet is so great.

quote:

Originally posted by maxwayne:
I had both eyes done about 10 years ago and I consider it a miracle. I had worn glasses for over 55 years and they had gotten pretty thick.

I shoot handguns, shotguns, etc just fine now. I find sporting clays much more enjoyable when you can see the targets.

I paid extra for the multi focal lenses and have no regrets at all. I would have sold all of my guns just to be able to see clearly for the first time in my life.

This is my exactly experience as well. multi focal lenses have been great and I can read as small as pill bottle labels although I've got to strain a bit to get down to that small print. When I read the paper or a book with smaller print I've got some dime store readers (#2 I believe) and it makes it more comfortable to read for long periods. Distance and mid vision are perfect. I'm still cross eye dominate so I've still got to deal with that issue but at least everything is crystal clear.

When you've been officially diagnosed with cataracts, talk at length with your doctor and get all of the options. There are many very good premium lenses available today, and IMO they are worth the extra cost even if you have to pay a little above and beyond what your insurance will pay for.

quote:

Originally posted by Rey HRH:
Don’t you think you need to get diagnosed first with cataracts before thinking about cataract surgery???

Is it not possible you’re experiencing old age and maybe laser surgery for vision correction will help if you don’t like glasses or contacts?

I did get diagnosed first-many years ago. Refractive deficits generally don't have much effect on night vision. Cataract formation generally is one of the things that occurs with aging, and presently, laser or other surgery on the cornea (outside layer) of the eye to alter the refractive properties has no effect.

I've recently seen an ophthalmologist-surgery is already scheduled in the near future.

Thanks all for the feedback. I'm familiar with the overall effect and technique. Awhile back, one of the ophthalmologists used to drop in and observe my efforts during surgery-he liked the variety and power tools I used. I'd watch his schedule and sometimes do the same while he was operating. I had quite a few questions answered at the time. I've seen and assisted (a long time ago) on old technique surgery removing the lens without implants, see the initial solid (stiff) implants and more recently the limited incision surgery with ultrasonic emulsification and extraction, and insertion of newer flexible implants. All this has been over the last 40+ years. Technology and the results have changed greatly.

I haven't talked to many other shooters about the effect on vision in picking up a sight picture and actual use. Thanks again, everyone, for your input.

quote:

Originally posted by NavyGuy:

quote:

Originally posted by maxwayne:
I had both eyes done about 10 years ago and I consider it a miracle. I had worn glasses for over 55 years and they had gotten pretty thick.

I shoot handguns, shotguns, etc just fine now. I find sporting clays much more enjoyable when you can see the targets.

I paid extra for the multi focal lenses and have no regrets at all. I would have sold all of my guns just to be able to see clearly for the first time in my life.

This is my exactly experience as well. multi focal lenses have been great and I can read as small as pill bottle labels although I've got to strain a bit to get down to that small print. When I read the paper or a book with smaller print I've got some dime store readers (#2 I believe) and it makes it more comfortable to read for long periods. Distance and mid vision are perfect. I'm still cross eye dominate so I've still got to deal with that issue but at least everything is crystal clear.

When you've been officially diagnosed with cataracts, talk at length with your doctor and get all of the options. There are many very good premium lenses available today, and IMO they are worth the extra cost even if you have to pay a little above and beyond what your insurance will pay for.

Thanks.

There are two types of lenses presently that provide variable focus; multi focal lenses and accommodating lenses. Multifocal lenses have 2 different refractions, while accommodating lenses move back and forth by the cilliary (muscular movement) of the iris. The latter need enough room to move, and have better light transmission with less flares and halos. They also make diagnosis and treatment of some problems that may occur later somewhat less difficult. While I'm not any expert, I've delved into some of the medical literature, and there is some degree of controversy about the preferred type to use. Either are an additional expense-Medicare and most insurance doesn't pay the difference. Fortunately, we still have some choice in health care, and both are available. And, I agree, for me the improvement over single refraction lenses is worth the cost.

My search brought up a number of questions to pose to the ophthalmologist I'm seeing. The ones I had here were more about experience on the receiving end.

Thanks again.